This was the brace I had on the back of the transfer case. It is something I welded up to support the Orion. It was a good idea at the time but it is no longer in the truck.

How does the weight of your transfercase get supported? The brace that I have bolts to the rear of the t-case, then spans over to the top of the frame rails where it attaches with vertical bolts and bushings. As far as I know this is an OEM item. Should this be removed? I believe that other than the motor mounts, that is the only thing holding up the drivetrain.

It is not. A stock rig has the 4 motor mounts. Nothing supports the tranny or case.

Wow! That seems like quite a cantilever of unsupported weight that would put a lot of stress on the connecting bolts. But if you guys say that taking off the brace and letting everything hang is the right thing to do then okay.